Grog shop crackdown

THERE was likely to be a setback for Aldi’s plans to sell alcohol at its Beeliar Village supermarket at this week’s Cockburn council meeting.

Concerned about a “proliferation” of grog shops, the council is expected to pass a strong position statement limiting suburban shopping centres to two outlets.

Although Aldi hasn’t yet applied for a liquor license for its Beeliar supermarket, which is still under construction, a report to council considers it an “inevitability”.

There’s already a drive-through bottleshop being constructed for the Vale Tavern on the site, as well as a Cellarbrations outlet and the council reckons that’s enough.

“The number of liquor outlets in the city has grown significantly over the past 17 years from about 30 in 2000 to … about 80 in 2017 plus three additional licenses pending approval,” a council report read.

“Valid concerns relate to negative impacts on the community including anti-social behaviour, and the rising cost of alcohol-related diseases and injuries.”

If the council supports the recommendation, it will write to the liquor licensing director Barry Sargeant advising him of its position.